Forget about the fact that they changed the opening partnership where Kamran Akmal has done great but brought in Afridi? Then you drop Akmal to one down instead of bringing him lower in the order where Afridi bats.?
This sudden shuffle in batting order just boggles my mind?
And Inzamam and Yusuf need to deliver or bring in Faisal Iqbal instead of Butt. Faisal has a century in ODI as a Opener.
Something’s gotta give though…We would have been down 3-0 if we didnt win the first one because of the weather.
Nothing much wrong with batting order, just a bad decission was made when Younis Khan was put in ODI squad instead of trying a regular opener. With Malik performing quite well, there was no need for another "Mr. no. 3" and it is not about batting order, but Younis Khan. To Imran Khan and some "die-hard-Younis-fans", Younis must play at no. 3 in ODIs, a position where Malik has established himself with hard work and dedication. Awarding that position to Younis Khan will disturb the spirits of this team and can demoralize Shoaib Malik who is well-known for his strange behavior to such decisions.
With 4 batsmen (Inzy, Yousuf, Younis, Malik) who MUST play at no3 and no4, we still require a regular opener. As for batting order, Younis deserves to play at a higher position , but then whats wrong with Malik, Inzy or Yousuf???
with yousuf out of form,inzi shud send younis at no.4, i dont understand y imran khan insists on younis playing at no.3 he got a chance during england series n he proved unworthy of that position scoring only 90 runs in 5 inngs so malik deserves to play at no.3
Malik should open with Butt. It's obvious to Pakistan fans that there isn't much difference between being one down or opener for the Pakistan team. This way Malik can continue his good form at the top while giving Younis the chance at number 3. Not to mention that Akmal will be back down the order where he should be.
There is a big difference between opener and one-down position. It's a mental approach that batsmen take. Even if you have to come in to face the 2nd ball of the innings, it still makes a difference. Ask those you've played at some form of cricket in the professional format. I agree that Younis should come in at 4 and swap Yusuf for Faisal Iqbal so that he can take a break because he's out of it completely.